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Gas drilling could see more oversight in Colo.

DENVER — A gas-drilling technique known as “fracking” could see more oversight from Colorado lawmakers.

A bill up for a hearing today would require state officials to review an upcoming federal study on hydraulic fracturing methods in natural gas extraction. The bill would also revive a requirement that complaints about water quality around drilling sites be reported to state lawmakers.

The Democratic sponsor of House Bill 1172 insists that the measure would not add more regulation for the industry. But Rep. Roger Wilson says the measure is needed to send the message that Colorado environmental regulators are serious about discovering whether “fracking” poses a risk to water quality or public health.

Wilson is from rural Garfield County. He says “fracking” concerns are prevalent in his western Colorado district.